From an early age I was drawn to creativity. My Mother and Grandmother were artists and both had studios. It felt very natural to be making things with my hands, experimenting with materials and textures and I suppose that’s when my love for colour and pattern really began.
Above: Me at home in my kitchen. The kitchen really is the heart of our home, where we all come together and spend much of our time. As a family we eat together as often as possible and so laying the table and using a bright table cloth happens a lot in our house and is a quick and easy way to make the meal feel special.
When it comes to decorating our homes, I think it’s really important to think about what it means to us. We all have different expectations in life, different things that are important to us, different paths. But one thing we are very lucky to have is a home. For me, it’s crucial that the elements of our home make us feel happy. I can express myself using pattern and colour much more easily than I can with words. I think our homes should speak of ourselves-of our experiences, desires and passions. Through the art of block print, I have found I can add personal and unique pieces to my home that do just that. From lampshades, to wallpaper, tea towels and tableware, each element, in its own quiet way, enhances our lives and makes us smile. I find working with colour particularly rejuvenating-it’s an instant source of joy for me. One of my favorite elements of my job is choosing and printing with new colour. Putting different combinations of colour together makes me feel happy and some just make my heart sing! My reaction to colour is very instinctive and I allow this instinct to shape my design decisions.
My travels to India have given me the courage to be brave with colour but I know this isn’t easy for everyone. If you are unsure, start with something small. A bright cushion or lampshade and then build from there. When using wallpaper, I always suggest experimenting with a smaller room such a loo or boot room and then your confidence will build, as will your love for colour and pattern!
Above: A client’s boot room. They have a huge love for the great outdoors and my Mawari Horse wallpaper in deep blue was the perfect fit for them. Playful and classic, it created immediate charm to the space. Photo credit @emmalewisphotographer
Whilst many of designs are boldy scaled and bright, for bedroom decorating I often choose a softer palette such as pinks or yellows. Then you can layer the room with your favorite pieces of art, a cosy blanket or throw and of course lots of cushions! Don’t worry if things don’t match, go with what you love, add things that are personal to you and soon you will build up a natural layering of your own.
Above: This is my bedroom at home. My husband wasn’t entirely sure about the pink Marigold wallpaper, but it has brought such a warmth to the room that he loves it now. It acts as the perfect back drop for our favorite art work and I have used a vintage quilt we have had for years on the bed. Photo credit @sarahweal
Above: An image from my online course-this is the wallpaper I show you how to print. Photo credit @deborahgrace_photography
And if you want to get really creative, and print your own lampshade or even your own wallpaper, I now have an online course available through Create Academy where you can explore the fundamentals of block printing, learn about my creative process and be empowered to start your own print projects at home.
www.mollymahon.com
@mollymahonblockprinting
www.createacademy.com